Introduction

The primary purpose of the Java Card Forum is to promote and develop Java as the preferred programming language for multiple-application smart cards. Java, invented by Sun Microsystems in 1995, has important features that make it the ideal choice for smart cards.

• Java's security model enables multiple applications to co-exist securely on the same card, a very important feature when value handling, authentication and unique data elements are stored upon and required of the card.
• Java applications can be developed validated and interoperability tested rapidly across suppliers compliant smart cards. This can significantly reduce the time-to-market for new smart card programs and allow rapid changes to in-field schemes.
• Java is a strong global brand and close specificational management by SUN now allows scalability and integration across the major IT platforms. Java Card technology is positioned to offer smart card issuers interoperable integration possibilities not possible with other platforms.

How do we work

To date over the last 8 years, this collaboration of all industry sectors has worked upon 6 iterations of the Java Card API enhancement specifications and associated test and compatibility kits. The group is currently working on enhancements to the 2.2 Java Card API and in parallel, the next generation Java Card specification requirements (3.0).

The Java Card Forum (or JCF) is comprised of a technical and business committee
and meets as a whole group every 3 months in a different location, hosted on a rotational basis by a JCF member. On average 60 people attend over 2 or 3 days with specific work tasks. Much work is carried out between meetings to solve specific technical or business requirements and the quarterly meetings act to fine tune direction and ensure that the industry and SUN Microsystems are in alignment with customer and market requirements.

To ensure that the interests of smart card issuers are fully represented in these decisions, the Java Card Forum has also established the Strategic Partner Program. In this program, companies that are involved in specifying or issuing smart cards are invited to participate in the requirements definition process. Significant contributions have been made by financial institutions, such as major banks and card associations, by telecommunication companies, principally the operators of GSM digital wireless networks, and by information technology companies. To date over 22 companies have participated as Strategic Partners. The primary customers for Java-based smart cards include companies and agencies in the financial, telecommunications, health care, transportation and information technology industries.